Pepperdine Caruso Law Celebrates Commencement 2026
On Thursday, May 21, the Pepperdine Caruso Law class of 2026 gathered at Alumni Park to celebrate their commencement with their family, friends, and fellow classmates. It was a happy occasion for the 300 graduates who earned their Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Master of Dispute Resolution, and Master of Legal Studies degrees.
The 2026 commencement ceremony was officially opened by professor Mark Scarberry who introduced the program. Professor Jennifer Koh then offered an invocation. The class of 2026 valedictorian Isaac D. Zwerling led the Pledge of Allegiance, and graduate Raymond C. Davison performed the National Anthem.
The student address was delived by Alanni S. Perman, who commended the graduates for their achievements. Perman said to her classmates, "Regardless of the challenges ahead, we know this - we will follow the light that leads out of darkness, we will flourish in every opportunity presented to us, and we will retain an unwavering dedication to our purpose, to chase the very best for ourselves and the world around us."
Caruso Law dean Paul Caron presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Thomas A. Fessler (JD '83), former chief legal officer of VSP Global. Fessler encouraged the graduates to thank the family, friends, and mentors who helped them along their law school journeys. He then continued, "May the days and years that follow your Pepperdine Law education and Pepperdine experience be blessed with a wealth of personal and professional successes."
Doctor of Laws honorary degree candidate and commencement speaker G. Marcus Cole, the Joseph A. Matson Dean at Notre Dame Law School, was presented for the honorary degree by Caron. Pepperdine University president Jim Gash (JD '93) conferred the honors, and Pepperdine University provost Jay Brewster conducted the investiture of the candidate. Cole spoke to the graduates about their duty to defend the rule of law and themselves as servant-lawyers. He encouraged the graduates, "If you stand for what is right, you will find you will be joined by others. And don't be surprised if one of those looks like the Son of God."
Following Cole's address, Caron presented the candidates for their degrees and led the traditional hooding of the graduates. The graduates then processed across the stage to receive their degrees, which were conferred by Gash. The ceremony concluded with a benediction delivered by Arnold Barba, associate dean for professional development.
The graduates and faculty joyously celebrated the festive day.
